A huge fireworks display will light up the skies above the Kent coast tonight.

The colourful spectacle will bring the Herne Bay Festival to a close at 9pm, as revellers along the seafront enjoy a host of live music throughout the day and into the evening.

Bosses of the event say the entertainment will include sets by groups Abba Chique, Marilyn Sky, The Konks, The Native Oysters Band and Gentlemen of Few, with a few food stalls dotted around the clock tower plaza.

The festival finale will precede the return of the Kent Tribute Festival tomorrow - as organiser Gerald McCarthy says he is preparing for its biggest-ever crowds.

"We're expecting to get about 1,500 people - normally we'd get about 1,000," he said.

"We're getting a surge in numbers towards the festival date, which is has been fuelled by the fact that kids can come along. It's a family-friendly event.

"The line-up this year is going to be our strongest one so far.

"We're trying to mix and match so there'll be something for everyone."

The event, taking place at the Strode Park Foundation in Herne, will feature entertainers performing renditions of David Bowie, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Queen and Oasis classics.

It will also be equipped with a big screen, providing, Mr McCarthy says, audiences with "a nice view of everything".

The organiser believes the popularity of his event - as well as his Titanic exhibition at the King's Hall - displays an appetite among people to get and about after the relaxation of lockdown.

"They've been desperate to have a release," he added.

"We've been out and about during the Herne Bay Festival as well, and the pier and King's Hall have both been busy.

"I think it's the rebound effect of being quite restricted over the last 18 months.

"It's a relief to be able to put this on. I know a lot of organisers took a very early decision this year to cancel events with the roadmap announcement in February.

"It's paying dividends for those who took the plunge and expected things to proceed as normal. It was a brave move to take that decision in uncertain times."

Read more: All the latest news from Herne Bay